If you are reading this review, I assume that you are looking for a therapist to help you deal with some things. Well, you've found the best therapist in Dr. Wendy Hill (Dr. Wendy). She will make a huge impact in your life by teaching cognitive and emotional coping skills, helping to overcome trauma, and transforming you into the happy, joyful person you deserve to be. I say these words because I have been a client of Dr. Wendy's for over nine months. At the risk of sounding cliché, I knew from the moment I met her my life would never be the same, and this felt so good.
Please bear with me while I explain a little about my journey:
While growing up as an only child, showing emotion, especially crying, meant that you were weak. Even if someone close to you died, there were no tears, and that person's life was never spoken about again. All this repressed sadness turned to anger as I grew up. Nine months ago I abruptly quit a lucrative 30 year career by a text message. I snapped, crashed and burned, and for the first time ever, I realized I had a "nervous breakdown." For a week, I didn't eat or bathe. The depression was all encompassing, and deep down inside I know what caused it, but it was too painful to address so I pushed it down, getting angrier at everything and everyone. Over the years, I've have been in and out of therapy. I despised every minute of it. I knew how to manipulate my therapy sessions, telling each therapist what I knew they wanted to hear so I could leave sooner. I would never show any emotions, discuss my real issues, and wasted a lot of time and money. After my spur-of-the-moment job resignation, my husband was beside himself. He had never seen this side of me and was, frankly, terrified that I had become psychotic. He found Dr. Wendy on-line, spoke with her on the phone and attended my first few appointments which I don't remember.
Note: Dr. Wendy has two hour appointments vs. the traditional one hour sessions that other therapists have. This was such a plus for me because, in my opinion, one hour is not enough time to feel comfortable enough to share deep feelings. At my third appointment, walking alone into Dr. Wendy's office I was greeted by her calm, elegant, professional appearance and her dog, Willy (who, I believe, is not from this world). It sounds strange to say, but I immediately felt safe, secure and relieved. I sensed a very positive vibe with Dr. Wendy, and since I desperately needed help, I had to bare my soul. Keep in mind that no one, not even my husband, has seen this. I was vulnerable, I cried and cried and then cried some more while Dr. Wendy gently took me back to the trigger points of my early childhood that contributed to my "nervous breakdown." Bringing up unhappy memories was hard and made me relive the uncomfortable, anxious feelings. But, if left buried, Dr. Wendy explained these unaddressed episodes will eventually come to the surface. These sessions would leave me totally wiped out to the point that I had to go home and sleep. But, when I awoke, I felt amazing: free, happy, and proud.
Now let me tell you some of the traits Dr. Wendy possesses:
Warm, emphatic, non-judgmental, focused - She validates you as a person with whatever challenges bring you to her. White-boarding, for me, was particularly helpful in seeing how my struggles originated and help set some short and long term goals.
In your corner - Both you and Dr. Wendy discover where you are, what coping mechanisms would be helpful and what barriers are holding you back. She uses her unique methods to find those answers. You will always get answers!
Intelligent and intuitive - Therapy is extremely scary and difficult. Just recently, I had the courage to discuss a very traumatic episode with her. She told me that since the day we met, she knew there was something deeply buried in me, but allowed me to progress at my own pace. As hard as this was, Dr. Wendy was right there, looking at me through her compassionate brown eyes, helping me to navigate this trauma in the most gentle, caring way.
In closing, I'd like to express my sincere gratitude for the help Dr. Wendy provides:
Dear Dr. Wendy,
To say that you are my saving grace seems trite. You are an integral part of my life and mean so much to me it is hard to put into words. You have given me courage to face agonizing pain and have been my cheerleader. I know of no one that can do your job and excel at it like you do. You are a true angel, and I am so thankful that you're on this earth helping people like me. Your passion, grace and empathetic nature exudes through your actions. You care about me not just as a client, but as a person. You held me while I cried, you were tough on me when I needed it, you laughed with me, and you taught me life-changing skills. Simply put, you get me. read more